8 Days Until Dream Wedding
The next morning,Sienna was still riding the high of winning. With one competition down, there were still four more to go. But she was in it to win it—even with these early mornings. Really, whoever thought they needed to get started at 8 a.m. every day was clearly a guy who didn’t require more than a quick shower to look camera ready.
Regardless, Sienna planned to bring a hundred-and-ten percent to the next challenge and show everyone she was a valuable asset. She would make the connections she needed to ensure her big break was right around the corner, she would give Audrey and Eli the wedding of their dreams, and she would do it all while teaching Fox it was okay to enjoy life every once in a while.
Though she doubted he could manage a second of joy even if his life depended on it.
Sienna was still irritated at his lack of enthusiasm during her run-in with him at The Brew House. Why had Eli chosen him as best man if he didn’t even care? Audrey seemed to love Fox too. There was something she was missing, and Sienna hated being the last to know.
Just thinking about it made her head hurt.
Or more likely it was the lack of caffeine in her body.
Sienna knew she had just enough time to grab some java before going to the meeting room to hear about that day’s competition. She hurried down the stairs and was surprised to see her mom. Audrey had reminded her the previous night that she could enjoy the inn’s spa services instead of showing up to all of the meetings and competitions.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in the meeting room already?”
Yeesh. How did her mom manage to know the schedule despite not being a part of the events? Sienna smiled. “I have five minutes. It’s okay.”
Her mother shook her head. “Has all your time in New York made you forget everything I taught you?”
“I haven’t forgotten. Five minutes early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable,” Sienna recited. The words had been ingrained in her mind for as long as she could remember. At least it meant she’d never been late to an audition.
“Exactly,” said her mother. “So why is it that every time I see you, you’re running late?”
“I’m not.”
“I think you’re developing bad habits up there. Maybe it’s time to come home.”
This again?Sienna rolled her eyes. “I told you, I’m not ready to come home yet. I have a life there.”
“Sienna, you’re twenty-three years old, and you still don’t have a steady income. It may be time to start considering different career paths.”
“But acting is important to me. I want to make sure I give it everything I have. And I work three different jobs to afford life there, so you don’t have to worry about me.” Thoughaffordwas stretching the truth a little bit.
“But I do worry.” Her mom’s face turned serious. “And besides, sometimes you can give it everything you have, and it’s still not enough.”
“Mother.” Sienna reached out for her mother’s shoulder. Next would be the long list of everything her mother had given up for them. Sienna didn’t have time for that or she really would be late.
“I love you girls, and I’m thankful you’ve never gone hungry. But do you know how much I hate that Audrey is going through all of this just to get married? It’s awful.”
Sienna shrugged. “She doesn’t seem to mind.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Regardless, this is about her. I want to see you on your best behavior while we’re here. Give it everything you’ve got, without going overboard. And for the love of everything, don’t be late to anything else.”
“I’m always on my best behavior, I want to give it my all, which is why I’m grabbing coffee first.” Sienna leaned in and kissed her mother’s cheek. “And I promise not to be late.”
Sienna waved a quick goodbye over her shoulder and walked to the dining room. But as soon as she turned the corner, Fox stepped into view. In his hand was the biggest coffee thermos Sienna had ever seen—and she’d pulled quite a few all-nighters in college.
“They’re about to start in the meeting room,” he said, barely making eye-contact with her before he stormed off.
“They’re about to start in the meeting room,” she mimicked under her breath. Was everyone going to comment on her punctuality today? She’d be there just as soon as she got some coffee. And she wouldn’t be late.
Sienna grabbed a small paper cup and the stainless-steel carafe from the table, but when she tipped the container, nothing came out. Her lips turned down as she pressed the release valve on the handle and tipped the carafe for a second time.
Again, nothing.
Sienna took a deep breath as she set it down and unscrewed the lid. When she looked inside, it was completely empty. Not a single drop of the liquid gold remained. She crumpled the paper cup and tossed it on the counter. “Ugh.”
